Emerald College’s Olivia Rundle, Matilda Henley-Johnstone and Lianna Dooley were disappointed to hear the Rock Eisteddfod had been cancelled. 43344Picture: Nigel Clements
By Tania Martin and
EMERALD College students’ future as one of the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge’s top acts could be in doubt, after the event was cancelled earlier this month.
The school takes part every second year but despite it not being their year to perform, the news has left them distraught.
Principal Wayne Burgess said the school needed to know if it was going ahead next year.
He said the eisteddfod had become an integral part of the school curriculum.
“It’s going to have a major impact on the school and it’s really uncertain for us at the moment,” Mr Burgess said said.
“We need to start auditioning, rehearsals and planning the theme if it is going ahead.”
Mr Burgess said the school normally started planning around September .
“Is it just for 12 months or is it for the long term?” he asked.
Event organisers recently cancelled this year’s extravaganza after calls for more State Government support failed.
Eisteddfod executive producer Peter Sjoquist said support from the Victorian Government had dramatically decreased over the past 10 years.
He said in 2000, the government allocated $120,000 for the event but in 2009-10 only $112,000 had been offered.
But Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino said the State Government had strongly supported the event for more than 10 years.
“We have an existing contract to provide the Rock Eisteddfod with $112,000 in 2010,” he said.
“This contract is being honoured and builds upon the more than $1 million we have provided this event.”
Mr Sjoquist said last year had also been a difficult year with the economic crisis leading to the loss of several corporate sponsors.
He said the decision to cancel this year’s event was not taken lightly and hopes the event could be resurrected but was unable to confirm if it would go ahead in 2011.
Mr Merlino is continuing discussions with organisers on their future plans for eisteddfod.
“We call on other states and the corporate sector to follow Victoria’s lead and contribute their fair share,” he said.
Gembrook Liberal candidate Brad Battin has challenged the State Government to match the Coalition’s promise to fund the Victorian Rock Eisteddfod.
Mr Battin said local students could miss out on taking part in this year’s Rock Eisteddfod if the State Government did not fund the $800,000 shortfall.
“It’s one of the great things that local schools can participate in,” Mr Battin said.
“Last year Berwick Primary School received two prizes, which was great for our area.
“And I know that schools in Emerald, Pakenham and Berwick all participate in the event as well.”
He said the event was a great way of encouraging young people to stay fit and be active.
“I have two daughters of my own, and I hate to think that they couldn’t participate in something like this,” he said.
Former Emerald resident and international star Vanessa Amorosi was scouted at a Rock Eisteddfod event many years ago.
